I can see experience bars after being transported to another world.

After the last sentence was spoken, the writing on the letter flashed slightly and then disappeared completely.

The paper tore open, shattering into tiny pieces that slipped through his fingers.

Clearly, this is a one-time use item. This should prevent any possibility of it being detected or discovered by outsiders.

Lu Yuan looked at the handful of shredded paper in his palm and raised an eyebrow. Would the ink arrive? He wasn't entirely sure, but he hoped so.

Sigh, I'll have to figure out a different way to write future letters. I can't write anything nonsensical.

He gathered the scraps of paper together and set them aside, then unfolded the letter with the paper and pen he had obtained. This letter was written in Imperial English.

Carl:

I have received the letter. I will check the documents carefully. Thank you, and please thank the mayor for me.

Congratulations on mastering the Sandworm Song. Even though it's an abridged version, it's still impressive, much better than what I'm currently at. I've been so busy with Bronze City lately that I haven't made much progress on ancient music theory. Next time, I think your ancient music theory might even surpass mine.

Also, when you go out to sea with your grandfather, be sure to listen and observe carefully, and never try to be reckless.

I've made a note of my trip back. Once I've finished my business here, when I pass through Sandworm Town, I'll definitely ask the mayor for a bowl of hot soup.

—Lu Yuan

After writing the letter, Lu Yuan found out about a caravan heading west and asked them to deliver it. The caravan leader accepted a few bronze shields and patted his chest, guaranteeing that it would be delivered.

With both letters sent out, Lu Yuan finally felt relieved of one of his worries.

All that's left is to say goodbye.

In the afternoon, Lu Yuan went to Klaus's new office.

The branch office building was partially collapsed. This three-story building was newly built, and the smell of wood hadn't completely dissipated. Klaus's office was on the third floor. Inside, there was a large desk, a long table piled high with files, several sturdy wooden chairs, and a small, separate balcony.

On one corner of the desk sat a plant resembling a cactus, round and covered in thorns. The thorns looked rather dangerous.

When Lu Yuan arrived, Klaus was buried in a pile of documents, his eyes sunken and his beard unkempt.

Lu Yuan sat down, glanced at the pile of documents on the long table, and frowned slightly.

"So busy?"

"Yes, very busy." Klaus signed the document in his hand and tossed it aside. "But after this busy period, I won't be so busy anymore."

Lu Yuan glanced at him.

"That plan you mentioned a few days ago," he added, "has there been any result?"

Klaus didn't reply, but took a folded document from the drawer and threw it on the table.

"Here, my resignation letter. I've already submitted it," Klaus continued. "The handover of duties is almost complete. I've been demoted from deputy chief of staff to battalion commander, and my former position has been given to Glock. The appointment letter hasn't arrived yet, but it's practically finalized."

Lu Yuan picked up the resignation letter and glanced at it. It stated that Klaus was unwell and unable to continue fulfilling his duties as deputy chief of staff; that was about it. Glock was the chosen successor, and his performance review had just met the requirements.

Lu Yuan glanced at it and then put it back.

The movement was much faster than he had expected. It seemed this person had been prepared all along, and would leave as soon as things settled down here.

"Glock?" Lu Yuan thought for a moment. "He is indeed quite suitable. A third-tier transcendent, plus the potential to break through to the fourth tier, he is one of the few truly powerful Night Watchmen in Bronze City."

"Hmm. Glock is getting on in years, and we were already planning to pass the position to him." Klaus leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "He's better suited to guarding the base. And with things settled in Bronze City, we can leave everything else to him."

"So sure?" Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly. "Will headquarters let them go?"

"Yes, it will." Klaus said without any suspense, "I've used some old connections, and headquarters won't hold me back on my employment qualifications."

He paused, then added.

"Furthermore, headquarters isn't very clear about my own qualifications."

Lu Yuan nodded.

The resignation letter clearly stated that he was unwell. But in the real Bronze City, nobody knew the true state of Klaus's health. Wasn't he just someone who could say whatever he wanted?

He didn't ask any further questions. In headquarters' eyes, the desire of an ordinary deputy chief to retire and the desire of someone aiming for the fifth rank to leave were two completely different things.

"Let's go outside for some fresh air."

Klaus got up and pushed open the balcony door.

The view from the balcony was excellent, with most of the Bronze City spread out before us. The ruins had been mostly cleared, and the framework of the new houses was standing piece by piece. Horse-drawn carts carrying materials slowly made their way through the streets, and the shouts could be heard from a great distance.

Klaus took out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag.

Amidst the swirling smoke, he gazed at the ruins before him, remaining silent for a long time.

Lu Yuan didn't say anything, he just stood by and kept him company.

"Once things are settled here in Bronze City," Klaus finally spoke, "I'll prepare to leave."

"Go find your way."

"Hmm." Klaus exhaled a puff of smoke. "If we find a solution later, or if we settle things somewhere, I'll write to the Knight Academy."

"Okay." Lu Yuan looked at the scene before him, which was in dire need of rebuilding, and added, "That's acceptable."

There's really not much to say. One is going north, and the other is going to find their own path. This isn't the first time they've said goodbye, so saying too much would just seem a bit sentimental.

"Alright." Klaus stubbed out his cigarette, turned around, put his hand on Lu Yuan's shoulder, and patted him. "Go and get ready, we're leaving tomorrow."

After saying that, he went back behind his desk and buried himself back in the pile of documents.

Lu Yuan glanced at Klaus's busy figure, said nothing more, and turned to go downstairs.

Stepping out of the office building, the sun was shining brightly. Lu Yuan stood there for a while before walking towards the logistics department.

Margaret was in much better condition than she had been two days ago. Her face had regained its color, and her eyes were brighter. She was squatting next to Hope, fiddling with the medicine in her hands.

Beside the roots of the tree of hope, a small section of root peeked out, floating on the soil, curved like a small hook. Margaret hung the mouth of the potion bottle onto that section of root, and the bottle stood upright steadily, the tip of the root just inside the mouth. Golden light slowly climbed up the root, while the liquid in the bottle gradually decreased in volume.

"What's going on here?" Lu Yuan walked over.

"Feeding it its medicine." Margaret didn't turn around. "I mixed its medicine. It's very picky about which one to drink."